Shade, Covering Up Best Sun Defenses

Avoiding Direct Sun Exposure Better Than Sunscreen for Sun Protection

May 2, 2007 -- Ducking under a tree or putting on a shirt this summer may
protect your skin from the sun better than relying on sunscreen alone.

A new review of research on sun protection shows avoiding direct sunlight
and wearing clothes that shield the skin from burning ultraviolet (UV) rays are
the best ways to protect against skin cancer and the aging effects of the
sun.

“In a skin cancer-prevention strategy, behavioral measures -- e.g. wearing
sun protective clothes and a hat and reducing sun exposure to a minimum -- must
be preferred to sunscreens,” write researcher Stephan Lautenschlager, MD, of
Triemli Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, and colleagues in The
Lancet.

Many studies have shown that sunscreen protects against UV skin damage and
certain types of skin cancer. But researchers say sunscreens are often applied
improperly and used as an excuse to increase time in the sun, which increases
the risk of skin damage as anyone who has ever suffered a splotchy sunburn
after a day at the beach can attest.

Less Sun Better Than Sunscreen

In their review of more than 200 studies on sun protection published from
1990 to 2006, researchers found reducing sun exposure through avoiding peak
midday sun and wearing sun protective clothing and a hat are the best ways to
protect the skin from UV damage.

“Often this solution is deemed to be unacceptable in our global, outdoor
society, and sunscreen could become the predominant mode of sun protection for
various societal reasons,” they write.

In addition, researchers say the type of clothing worn in the sun can make a
big difference in terms of the sun protection factor (SPF) it provides.

Making the Most of Sunscreen

But if people aren’t willing to cover up or stay out of the sun during the
summer months, researchers say they should learn how to make the best use
sunscreen.

Their results showed the application of a liberal amount of sunscreen is by
far the most important factor for effectiveness of sunscreen, followed by the
uniformity of application and the amount of SPF protection it provides.

Other tips to maximize the sun protection offered by sunscreens include:

Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out into the sun.

Use a waterproof sunscreen to reduce the need for reapplication after
swimming or sweating followed by toweling and friction with clothing or
sand.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with adequate UVA and UVB protection.

Inorganic sunscreens, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, that are
opaque are less likely to produce an allergic reaction and are recommended for
use on children.